Y0.08Sr0.88TiO3-CeO2 composite as a diffusion barrier layer for stainless-steel supported solid oxide fuel cell

A new diffusion barrier layer (DBL) is proposed for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) supported on stainless steel where DBL prevents inter-diffusion of atoms between anode and stainless steel (STS) support during fabrication and operation of STS-supported SOFCs. Half cells consisting of dense yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte, porous Ni-YSZ anode layer, and ferritic STS support, with or without Y0.08Sr0.88TiO3-CeO2 (YST-CeO2) composite DBL, are prepared by tape casting and co-firing at 1250 and 1350 degrees C, respectively, in reducing (H-2) atmosphere. The porous YST-CeO2 layer (t similar to 60 mu m) blocks inter diffusion of Fe and Ni, and captures the evaporated Cr during cell fabrication (1350 degrees C). The cell with DBL and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-delta (LSCF) cathode achieved a maximum power density of similar to 220 mW cm(-2) which is stable at 700 degrees C. In order to further improve the power performance, Ni coarsening in anode during co-firing must be prevented or alternative anode which is resistive to coarsening is suggested. This study demonstrates that the new YST-CeO2 layer is a promising as a DBL for stainless-steel-supported SOFCs fabricated with co-firing process. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.